During the fourth century, a woman named Etheria made a Christian pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Her journal was discovered in fragments in the late 19th century. Among the liturgical celebrations that Etheria describes is the feast of Epiphany, the observance of Christ’s birth, and the procession in honor of his Presentation in the Temple. Under the law of Moses, a woman was considered to be ritually “unclean” for 40 days after childbirth. At that time, she was to present herself to the priests of the Temple and to offer sacrifice for her “purification.” This feast we celebrate today emphasizes Jesus’ first appearance in the Temple more than Mary’s purification. This liturgical observance spread throughout the entire Western Church in the fifth and sixth centuries. With the celebration of Jesus’ birth on December 25, the Presentation was celebrated on February 2, 40 days after Christmas.
In the account of the presentation we hear in the Gospel today, Luke describes two wise elders, Simeon and Anna, who play a key role in Jesus’ presentation. Simeon and Anna embody Israel in their patient expectation; they acknowledge the infant Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. In face, early references to the Roman feast of the presentation called it the feast of Saint Simeon. The canticle of St Simeon is prayed as a part of night prayer in the liturgy of the house. This canticle reveals the gratitude of Simeon, a devout Jew, for having lived long enough to see the long-awaited Savior. At the end of each day, as a part of night prayer, Simeon’s words help deepen our gratitude for the blessings we have received during our service of the Lord. May we give thanks to the Lord today as we celebrate his presentation in the Temple.
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